Budget
  • A cyclist passes the U.S. Capitol in Washington

    Budget Deficit Tops $500 Billion in the First Quarter

    By The Fiscal Times Staff

    The federal budget deficit was $129 billion in December, the Treasury Department reported Thursday. That brings the deficit for the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year, which began in October, to $...

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson Press Conference at the U.S. Capitol

    GOP Hardliners Revolt Against Speaker’s Spending Deal

    More than a dozen right-wing Republicans revolted against their party leadership Wednesday, sinking a procedural vote and halting legislative action on the House floor in protest over the $1.66...

  • FILE PHOTO - The federal government forms for applying for health coverage are seen at a rally held by supporters of the Affordable Care Act, widely referred to as "Obamacare", outside the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center in Jackson, Mississippi

    New Record for Obamacare Signups

    By Michael Rainey

    A record 20 million people have signed up for health care through the marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Wednesday. This marks...

  • DC: Senate Republican’s policy luncheon press conference

    McConnell Says Stopgap Spending Bill Will ‘Obviously’ Be Needed

    By Michael Rainey

    Even though they have now agreed to topline spending figures for 2024, lawmakers need to race with almost unprecedented speed if they want to pass full-year appropriations bills before a January 19...

  • DC: U.S. Congress, Senate Democrat Leadership Press Conference

    Lawmakers Have a Deal on 2024 Spending

    By Michael Rainey

    House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Sunday that they have reached an agreement setting the topline discretionary spending level for the 2024 fiscal year. The...